From 2020, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva (SIHH) and Baselworld in Basel will synchronize their calendars. These are the two major events in the watch industry.

Baselworld takes place April 30 through May 5, 2020, directly following SIHH, which takes place the week before (April 26-29).

Typically the SIHH is held in January in Geneva, and Baselworld is held in March in Basel.

The synchronization of the two shows has a four-year contract and continues until 2024.

Coordinating the dates will remove the needs for retailers&exibitors, press representatives and visitors to travel to Switzerland twice in order to visit both events.

Fabienne Lupo, President and Managing Director of the Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie, which organises SIHH, stated: “Our two events have always been different, yet complementary. Resynching with Baselworld will further confirm Switzerland as the foremost destination for watchmaking in the world. This is something we welcome wholeheartedly, as it is in the interests of all.”

Michel Loris-Melikoff, Managing Director of Baselworld, saying, “Baselworld and the SIHH are working for the industry and its clients. We have sought dialogue with the SIHH and together have found a solution, which benefits visitors, the media, and the entire watchmaking industry enormously. This partnership between the two most prominent exhibitions in the industry represents a major breakthrough for the future.”

He closed the press conference followed by saying, “Baselworld 2019 is now history, and we look forward to 2020.”